Labels, studios diverge on file-sharing

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I have a column running today on latimes.com that explores the emerging differences in strategy between RIAA members and MPAA dues-payers over how to respond to Internet users’ demand for large quantities of content on the cheap. I wouldn’t argue that the labels and studios are fighting over how to respond. Both of them support the idea of using content-identification technology to ID and block unauthorized transfers of copyrighted works. But label executives are expressing increasing support for all-you-can-download plans, the most extreme of which being the file-sharing-friendly stance taken by Warner Music Group’s Jim Griffin.

You could, of course, argue that the labels’ comments will amount to little more than lip service until they actually license an all-you-can-download offering such as PlayLouder MSP, a broadband service in the UK that allows subscribers to share music to their hearts’ content. But at least they’re saying interesting things.